Having a truck accident lawyer by your side can make all the difference in the world. Not only can they help you get the compensation you deserve, they can also help you recover from the physical and financial pain of the accident.
Injuries that can be caused by a truck accident
Whether you’re the driver or passenger of a truck, you can suffer a serious injury or even death if you’re involved in a crash. Compared to other vehicles, a big rig can carry more damage and cause more injuries. In addition to that, big rig trucks often have hazardous chemicals. During accidents, these materials can explode and cause a fire. Those inside the vehicle can also suffer burns.
Injuries to the head and neck can affect the brain and spinal cord. This can cause swelling and bleeding. It can also leave the victim with cognitive problems, such as memory loss and difficulty reasoning.
Broken bones are another common injury. Any part of the human body can be fractured. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may need to have surgery. Some breakages can heal on their own, while others need casts and a long recovery time.
Burn injuries can be extremely painful and can have lasting effects. The damage to the body can be severe, leaving the victim with scarring and permanent disfigurement. In addition, a burned limb may need to be amputated.
In a truck accident, the force of the collision can cause internal bleeding. This can lead to organ failure and other complications. It can be difficult to detect the symptoms of internal injuries, as they can’t be seen immediately. Some internal injuries don’t appear until weeks after the accident.
Those who are injured in a truck accident are entitled to compensation for their injuries. This can cover medical costs, lost wages, and other damages. If you or a loved one is injured in a trucking accident, you should consult with a Tampa truck accident lawyer to learn more about your rights.
Another type of injury that can occur in a truck accident is spinal cord injury. A spinal cord injury can leave the victim with partial or total paralysis, as well as a distorted or missing sense of feeling. Having to cope with such severe disabilities can be life-changing.
Other common injuries in a truck accident include soft tissue damage, such as ligament and tendon injuries. Whiplash is a common neck injury. This happens when the torso of the driver or passenger snaps forward. This causes the neck to bend and pull the underlying vertebrae. In mild cases, the neck injury is treated with pain medication and a period of immobilization. However, some people report neck symptoms for years after an accident.
Property damage by big rig
Depending on the state you live in, you may be eligible to collect for property damage after a truck accident. If you are, you should contact a lawyer to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Depending on the situation, you may be able to get money for a rental car, repairs to your vehicle or even punitive damages.
There are many types of property damage claims, including those for electronics, clothing and jewelry. The first step in determining whether or not you have a viable claim is to determine the value of your personal property. Identifying the true cost of your possessions can be as simple as gathering receipts and taking photos of your damaged items.
A good rule of thumb is to take the replacement cost of your property and subtract the depreciation from the fair market value. This is the amount the insurance company will pay for your property if you have to repair or replace it.
Depending on your state’s laws, there may be a time limit on filing a property damage claim. For example, a state like Illinois requires two years to file a claim. However, you should also check your own insurance policy to see if it has a cap on claims.
For example, if you are in New York and your car was in the shop for more than two weeks, you may have to use your own collision coverage to repair it. Having this extra coverage could be a worthwhile investment.
The best way to determine the replacement cost of your property is to take a good look at the car’s Kelley Blue Book value. This is a rough estimate of the car’s true value and it should be based on data on the sale of cars in your area.
Another good idea is to document the other driver’s vehicle as well. In most states, drivers are required to exchange information with other drivers. If you are involved in a collision, make sure you document the other driver’s license, license plate and registration. This is important in any insurance claim.
Punitive damages
Whether or not a Tampa truck accident lawyer should pursue punitive damages can depend on a number of factors. In general, a plaintiff will need to demonstrate that the defendant acted with malice. They should also be able to show that the defendant’s behavior was reckless and egregious.
Punitive damages are often awarded in addition to compensatory damages. The primary purpose of these damages is to send a message to the wrongdoer that his behavior is not acceptable. It can also deter bad behavior in the future.
There are many types of damages an injury victim may be eligible for, including lost wages and property damage. These damages will generally be used to pay for immediate medical expenses and costs, as well as loss of earning capacity. Depending on the facts of the case, injured parties may also be able to sue for non-economic losses. These losses include pain and suffering, disfigurement, and physical trauma. Some of these types of damages are difficult to estimate, so it is best to seek legal advice.
A large number of people are killed in vehicle accidents each year. In 2003, there were 58,412 total vehicle crashes, including 4,669 fatal accidents involving large trucks. In 2004, the number of fatal truck accidents increased by 10 percent. This is likely due to an increase in driver fatigue. Moreover, large trucks are more likely to be involved in multi-vehicle crashes than passenger vehicles.
It is possible that a truck driver may be liable for punitive damages if he or she caused an accident while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, these cases are rare. Those who suffer injuries as a result of a truck accident should contact a lawyer to discuss their legal options.
In most cases, compensatory damages will cover the medical expenses and property damage associated with the trucking accident. The jury will consider the severity of the injury and determine how much the victim should be awarded. The jury should also consider whether the victim suffered any other damages. Some of these damages are lost wages, which are often significant for victims of a trucking accident.
Time to file a lawsuit for a truck accident
Whether you’ve been involved in a truck accident or if you know someone who has, it’s important to know the time to file a lawsuit. There are special circumstances that can affect the amount of time you have to file a claim, but the general rule is that you have two years.
The time to file a lawsuit for a truck accident depends on several factors, including state law. However, the statute of limitations is generally three years in New York. If you’re injured in an accident that was caused by a negligent driver, you should consult with a lawyer as soon as possible.
A trucking accident can be devastating, and you will need to make sure you take action as quickly as possible. Gathering evidence can help you build a strong case. You may also be entitled to compensation for your injuries, which can include lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
When you decide to file a lawsuit, you will need to provide the other party with all the information they need to defend against the lawsuit. This includes a complaint that states the details of the accident. You will then serve the defendant with a summons, which tells them when and where they need to come to court.
The discovery process can take up to a year, and the parties will be negotiating throughout that time. This makes it important to gather your medical records as early as possible. If you wait, you might lose out on critical evidence, and your case could be dismissed.
You will also want to visit a doctor. You can also gather statements from witnesses. Taking action as soon as you can helps you preserve evidence, and it’s easier to navigate the legal system if all the details are fresh.
If you’re unsure about how long you have to file a lawsuit, you should speak with an experienced truck accident attorney. They’ll know what you need to do to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. Besides, they’ll be able to help you navigate the legal system and make your complaint as professional as possible.